Bezel for fiber optic components

ABSTRACT

A bezel for facilitating the connection between an external device positioned on one side of a communication panel and a module located on the other side of the panel wherein the panel has an opening for receiving the bezel. The bezel includes a housing defining an interior portion of the bezel, a first open end for insertion into the opening of the panel and the module, where the first open end receives a first communication connection from the module for connection with the external device, and a second open end having a removable cover. The second open end receives a second communication connection from the external device for connection with the first communication connection.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/628,348, filed Jul. 28, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,485.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bezel for connection of optical components to an optical coupler. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bezel for connecting an optical attenuator to an optical coupler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Connectors for optical fiber transmission systems are known in the art. Often times it becomes necessary to arrange a plurality of optical fiber connectors in a panel to facilitate multifiber connections. Desirably, devices for holding connectors are mounted in the panel but the connectors themselves are not connected to incoming or outgoing fiber paths until needed to provide service. Commonly used devices which are used to accommodate interconnections are referred to as couplings.

A very much used connector for terminating and connecting two optical fibers is one which is referred to as an SC connector. An SC connector is connected to another SC connector from a module through an SC coupling by linear motion only.

Many optical fiber communication systems require a method of decreasing optical power at a reducing station to avoid the saturation of receivers. Such a reduction in power may be accomplished by introducing into the system a device known as an attenuator which is designed to dissipate or to attenuate a controlled fraction of the input power while allowing the balance to continue through the system. Such an attenuator is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,345 in the names of R. R. Cammons, A. W. Carlisle and N. R. Lampert.

Typically, an attenuator is attached to an SC optical coupler which is attached to a communication module within a control panel; attenuators are very often not included on an optical communication module until a connection is required. This is because depending upon the connection, a different strength optical signal may be required. At the time a connection is required, the panel is opened, and the module containing the SC optical coupler is removed so that an appropriate attenuator may be connected.

This method of installing an attenuator is very laborious and requires that the communication module from which the SC optical coupler is connected to be placed temporarily out of service.

Thus, there exists the need to be able to attach an attenuation device to the module without having to take the module out of service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above concern and presents a new and novel device for facilitating the connection of an external optical component to a panel. Moreover, the present invention lends itself to connection of an attenuation device to an optical coupler without disrupting an optical module.

In one aspect of the present invention, a bezel for facilitating the connection of an optical connector between an optical couple positioned on a module within a panel.

The bezel includes a housing, a first end for insertion into the panel, an interior portion positioned within the housing for positioning of an optical coupler and a second end having a removable cover concealing an opening. The opening exposes an end of the optical coupler positioned within the interior of the bezel for connection to the external device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the above described bezel may be used in conjunction with a fiber optical connection panel which includes a communication module including a fiber optical connector for making a connection with an external optical device, and connection surface adjacent the module having an opening corresponding to the connector. The bezel according to the present invention is positioned within the opening and facilitates the optical connection between the connector and the external device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Other features of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bezel for connection of optical components according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the bezel according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a bezel 1 for facilitating connection of an attenuator 22 to an optical coupler 24 includes a housing 2, an end 6 for being received in a corresponding receiving area in an optical communication module within an opening in a panel housing optical fiber connections and the like. The housing 2 is a body that has a first peripheral end, at least one edge 2′ of which engages with the optical coupler 24 at a corresponding edge or retaining tab 18 of the optical coupler 24 extending from a body portion of the optical coupler 24 (for convenience, only one edge 2′ and one tab 18 are shown in the drawings).

The bezel may be manufactured from a variety of materials including metal and plastic, but is preferably made from plastic, and is preferably manufactured by injection molding.

The bezel 1 also includes an end 4 having a hinged cover 8, which conceals an opening exposing an end of an optical coupler 24 positioned in an interior portion within the bezel housing. The cover 8 abuts edges of the housing 2 forming a second peripheral end of the body of housing 2, when the cover 8 is in a closed position, and the housing 2 has at least one guiding member (structural abutment) 20 disposed along an interior wall of the housing 2, for guiding an external device, such as the attenuator 22, within the interior of the housing 2. For convenience, only a single guiding member 20 is shown in the drawings, although there may be a guiding member 20 disposed along both opposing interior walls of the housing 2.

The hinged portion 10 of the cover may be integral with the housing 2, or it may include an actual hinge, a half of which is included on the cover and the remaining half being positioned on an upper portion of the end 4 of the bezel.

The cover may also include locking tabs 8 a. The tabs 8 a include two halves 8 a 1 and 8 a 2 with ends having inclined surfaces that enable easy insertion into a corresponding opening 4 a positioned adjacent end 4 of the bezel housing 2. When the cover is placed in a closed position to conceal the interior portion within the end 4, the two halves of the tabs 8 a compress together. A force generated by the compression of the halves is placed on the sides of the openings 4 a, allowing the cover to remain in a closed position.

The cover is easily opened by applying an outward force on lifting tab 8 b. The outward force overcomes a frictional force created between each half of the locking tabs and the respective wall of the opening 4 a, thereby allowing the cover to open and expose the interior of the bezel housing.

Adjacent end 6 of the bezel are several locking cams 11 positioned on the end of corresponding finger projections (projecting members) 12. Each projection 12 includes an end having an inclined portion 14 ending in a shoulder portion 14′, wherein the inclined portion 14 and shoulder portion 14′ of each projection 12 form a respective cam surface of the corresponding cam 11. The cams 11 are received in corresponding slots on a module within the panel, and lock thereto. The slots in the module surround an optical connector for connection to the coupler of the bezel. The cams 11 restrain the optical coupler in the bezel from linear movement away from optical connector of the optical module and also prevent the bezel from being pulled away from the panel, or dislodge in any way.

As can be appreciated in view of FIGS. 1 and 2, the body of the housing 2 and the projections 12 define, in combination, a volume extending from the second of the projections 12. The volume can receive at least a portion of each of the optical coupler 24 and attenuator 22 therein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bezel according to the present invention as assembled with an optical module 26 inside a panel 28. The locking cams 11 are received by corresponding slots 26 a and 26 b which allow the locking cams 11 to pass through and lock on the other side. The slots are positioned away from one another in the vertical direction as seen in FIG. 2 so that the distance between the inside walls of a pair of adjacent slots, 26 a and 26 b, is equal to the distance between the two corresponding projecting fingers 12 of the bezel. The slots are also formed so that the respective cam can easily fit through and lock on the other side.

As soon as the cams pass through the module wall, they lock into place, yielding an audible “snap” sound indicating that the bezel is locked into place. Thus, the bezel cannot be removed from outside the panel or the module.

Depending upon the bezel design, the front 4 of the bezel may snap into a cutout in the front panel of the optical connection box. When access to a particular optical module is required, the cover 8 is opened by pulling back on tab 8 b, exposing the optical coupler. The external optical component may then be connected to the exposed end of the optical coupler to complete the communication connection.

This system is especially advantageous in connecting an attenuator to the optical module. Once an appropriate attenuator is selected for a particular application, one end of the attenuator is plugged onto an external optical connector, the bezel cover is lifted, and then the other end of the attenuator is plugged into the optical coupler positioned within the bezel housing.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are simply illustrative of the invention. Other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof. 

1. A bezel for facilitating connection between an external device positioned on one side of a communication panel and a module located on an opposite side of the communication panel, the communication panel having an opening for receiving the bezel, the bezel comprising: a housing, the housing defining an interior portion; a first open end insertable into the module through the opening, wherein the first open end is positioned and configured to receive a first communication connection of the module for connection with the external device; and a second open end having an openable cover, wherein the second open end is configured to receive at least a second communication connection of the external device for connection with the first communication connection when the openable cover is open, without substantially disrupting operation of the module, and wherein the interior portion is configured to house an optical coupler for connecting the first communication connection of the module to the second communication connection of the external device.
 2. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the optical coupler comprises an SC optical coupler.
 3. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the housing is positioned at an angle relative to the communication panel when the first open end is inserted into the module.
 4. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a side having an edge for engagement of at least an edge of the optical coupler.
 5. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the interior portion is configured to permit entry of the optical coupler through the first open end.
 6. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the first open end includes a plurality of projecting members insertable into the module, each projecting member including an end having an inclined portion ending in a shoulder portion, the inclined portion and the shoulder portion forming at least a portion of a cam surface.
 7. The bezel according to claim 6, wherein at least part of the cam surface substantially locks the housing to the module, thereby maintaining at least a portion of the optical coupler in a position within the interior of the housing.
 8. The bezel according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a longitudinally extending open portion configured to permit a tab of the optical coupler to pass therethrough beyond the exterior of the housing, and wherein the housing includes an edge defining an end of the longitudinally extending open portion and engageable with the tab of the optical coupler when the optical coupler is inserted through the first open end.
 9. A method for optically coupling an optical attenuator to a communication module disposed on an internal side of a panel, comprising the steps of: optically coupling an optical coupler to the communication module through an opening in the panel that provides access from an external side of the panel to the communication module; and optically connecting an end of the optical attenuator to the optical coupler, to thereby optically couple the optical attenuator to the communication module through the optical coupler.
 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: positioning at least a portion of the optical coupler within a housing of a mechanical bezel; and attaching the mechanical bezel to the communication module through the opening in the panel, thereby optically coupling the optical coupler and the communication module.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the positioning step positions the optical coupler within the housing of the mechanical bezel through a first end of the housing, and wherein the optically connecting step connects an end of the optical attenuator to the optical coupler at or through a second end of the housing, opposite from the first end.
 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the optical coupler is a SC coupler.
 13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of connecting an external optical connector to another, opposite end of the optical attenuator.
 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the optical attenuator is disposed, at least initially, on an external side of the panel opposite to the internal side of the panel.
 15. A mechanical bezel, comprising: a first, housing portion having an inner channel extending in a direction of a line connecting first and second open ends of the first, housing portion; and a second portion extending from the first open end of the first, housing portion, and being adapted to couple the mechanical bezel to a communication module disposed on an internal side of a panel, without fixedly securing to the panel itself, so that the first open end is closer to the communication module than the second open end when at least a portion of the mechanical bezel is inserted at least partially through an opening of the panel.
 16. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, further comprising a cover disposed at the second open end of the first, housing portion, the cover being adjustable for being placed in either a closed position to cover the second open end, or an opened position in which at least part of the second open end is not covered by the cover.
 17. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the mechanical bezel is disposed at an angle relative to the panel when the second portion is coupled to the communication module.
 18. The mechanical bezel according to claim 17, wherein the second open end is disposed in a lower orientation than is the first open end when the second portion is coupled to the communication module.
 19. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the inner channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an optical coupler.
 20. The mechanical bezel according to claim 19, wherein the inner channel is configured to permit the optical coupler to be optically connected to the communication module when the optical coupler is received by the inner channel.
 21. The mechanical bezel according to claim 19, wherein the inner channel is also configured to receive an optical attenuator and to permit the optical attenuator to be optically coupled to the communication module through the optical coupler.
 22. The mechanical bezel according to claim 21, wherein the inner channel is configured to permit an external optical connector to be connected to an end of the optical attenuator opposite to an end of the optical attenuator to which the communication module is optically coupled.
 23. The mechanical bezel according to claim 19, wherein the optical coupler is a SC coupler.
 24. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the mechanical bezel is configured to couple to the communication module without substantially disrupting operation of the communication module.
 25. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the mechanical bezel is configured to couple to the communication module without placing the communication module out of service.
 26. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the inner channel is configured to receive an optical attenuator and to permit the optical attenuator to be optically coupled to the communication module.
 27. The mechanical bezel according to claim 15, wherein the first, housing portion comprises two opposed side walls, wherein an interior portion of each side wall comprises a guiding member, and wherein the guiding members form the inner channel. 